Yes, sir, it’s that
time again – recapping my favorite albums from the past year. It was a pretty
good year with a lot of cool stuff. Some cool stuff didn’t even make it onto
the list (which makes me a bit sad), but I limited myself to five picks, so
that’s what I stuck with. As always, this isn’t necessarily stuff that came out
this year, just stuff I discovered though some may be new releases.
Marmozets, “The Weird
and Wonderful Marmozets” – This was a Christmas present last year and it
pretty much dominated the first part of the year. One part Paramore, one part
fierce, technical musicianship. All parts awesome. Can’t wait to see what this
band does in the future!
White Lighter, “White
Lighter” – A project from former Stavesacre/Crucified frontman Mark
Solomon, White Lighter is a sort of laid back, Black Sabbath-esque rock band.
Their debut album came out late in 2014 but I’d only heard about it later
through Solomon’s podcast. It’s a fantastic album that I listened to over and over.
Symphony X,
“Underworld” – Symphony X continues to impress with another stellar
release. Not quite as heavy as “Iconoclast” but it makes up for it with melodic
hooks and catchy tunes. It’s even got a little bit of a commercial vibe which,
surprisingly, actually helps the album rather than hurt it.
I Fight Dragons, “The
Near Future” – I like catchy tunes and I like the original Nintendo, so… I
pretty much have to love this album.
Queensryche,
“Condition Human” – Welcome back, guys. Welcome back. Queensryche is
energized and full of life once again. While I do think it might fall just
short of true classic status, I have no doubt they are going to create the next
“Mindcrime” or “Empire” of their careers with Todd LaTorre. I cannot wait to
see what they do next.
Honorable Mentions
Jerry Gaskill, “Love
& Scars”
Pentatonix,
“Pentatonix”
Coheed & Cambria,
“The Color Before the Sun”
Disappointments
Tourniquet/Ted
Kirkpatrick, “Onward to Freedom” – Well, there’s certainly enough talent on
this disc that, mathematically speaking, it should be good. Right?
Unfortunately the songs are largely forgettable and the preachy PETA lyrics
don’t help matters any.
Meghan Trainor,
“Title” – It’s unfortunate that the subject matter on Trainor’s debut album
is so annoying. We get it… you’re an independent woman who don’t need no man –
except when you do. They you’re mad because that idiot you’re messing around
with treats you bad. I really hope this is a persona instead of Trainor’s real
life.
The Gentle Storm, “The
Diary” – Here’s another album that should be one of my picks. Arjen
Lucassen and Anneke Van Giersbergen team up for a Celtic-influenced heavy/pop
album. It should work! For some it does. Me, however, it just didn’t seem to do
anything for me. I never really found myself going back to it. Oh well… we are
due for another Star One record soon…
Atomic Opera, “Gospel
Cola” – No surprise here. I loved “For Madmen Only” but heard “Gospel Cola”
had fallen short. I held out hope that maybe I would really latch onto it but,
nope, I didn’t. It’s as mediocre as everyone has said. Sad face.
I’m going to so
something a little different next year. Not too much different as there will
still be my regular reviews. However, I will be spending one review each month
to a specific thing. Get ready for…. THE GENESIS PROJECT! Want to find out
more? Watch the video edition!
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